SECRET LOVERS

CHAPTER 4: DREAM JOB

For Noah’s remaining stay on the campus for his last two years for his dual degree program, he got to cross paths with Anna in the halls of the College of Architecture whenever she had architecture courses to take at their college. She was still very pretty in his eyes, but he had somehow noticed that she had become a little withdrawn.

He also continued viewing all the uploaded videos of Trixie on her YouTube Channel. His mother and Lola Nora loved hearing her voice. So he downloaded its audio and have it burned on CD so they could listen to it on their portable DVD player, which he was able to purchase for them for his earnings.

Nevertheless, he continued focusing on his studies. He also continued doing part-time jobs for his cousin’s clients. He also helped Raoul with setting up a social media account and then creating a page from that where he could promote his services further. Manning Raoul’s shop on weekends had also continued. From his old savings and current savings on his woodworking jobs, he was able to buy a second-hand laptop. He was also able to buy some power tools. He even managed to build his DIY drill powered wood lathe machine with a disk and drum sander. He also made one for Raoul. They both learned wood turning from their Lolo Eliseo.

Within those two years, Raoul was already able to purchase an old small delivery truck phased out by a soft drink company, and start paying for a residential lot through the installment method. They reached for their dreams slowly but surely, helping each other along the way by any decent means possible.

With proper permits along with their combined skills, Noah helped his cousin convert the old small delivery truck into Raoul’s service truck. They created storage for his hand tools, rolling builder’s modular workstation for his power tools like table saw, jigsaw, circular saw, angle grinder, trim router, planer, electric drill. They also created a DIY handmade drill stand so Raoul could use his dill as a drill press machine. They also tapped the help of Raoul’s father and their maternal uncles to fix what needed to be fixed on the engine.

There were times that Noah wanted to work on site with his cousin, but Raoul insisted that his cousin just focus on manning the shop to answer inquiries for services, scheduling handy man and construction jobs, and create woodworking projects from the reclaimed woods he gathered for his clients and for shop displays and eventual sale. That way he would not be physically drained.

Raoul didn’t want Noah to overwork to the point that his studies might suffer. He played the role of a very protective, supportive and caring older brother to Noah. Raoul did somehow feel some sort of envy towards Noah, but he had learned to accept that he was not gifted with intellect like his cousin. Besides, Noah also shared all his building, engineering, and architecture knowledge with him in layman’s term, so he was able to apply those in the execution of his construction jobs. He was very thankful for his cousin’s generosity and so his self-pity became just a non-existent matter to him. Noah even taught him how to use a laptop and access the internet. Noah even got to cook for him during weekends or whenever he visited the shop during his free time.

Plus, Noah’s parents treated him like another son, supplying them with food whenever they visited every month, filing his small refrigerator and cupboards. Such an act had made them save a lot of money, aside from getting to eat nutritious food for free. They could readily eat some processed food, fruits and vegetables, or do some quick cooking for the food supplies they provide. So, with the goodness of the hearts of the Espinas, he could only pay back with good deeds as well.

May 28, 2010. Friday. Noah graduated as Magna c*m Laude in both his degrees in Architecture and Civil Engineering. His commencement exercises were attended by his parents and his four grandparents. They were very proud of him.

That same day, he was already approached again by Daniel Cardenas so he could start working at CRDF as early as the start of June. Noah had his internship at CRDF under Daniel. Back then, Daniel had already invited him to work at CRDF right after he graduated. He was still undecided back then because he would still have to take the board examination in Civil Engineering by July, and the board examination in Architecture by August.

But Daniel insisted, “I will be getting married this coming Sunday. After that, I will be gone for at most a month for a honeymoon trip that my fiancée insisted on having. You are the only qualified person I know who can take my position as Chief Project Manager. All of the company’s construction projects along with the project managers, engineers and architects working on the projects will be under your domain. Your first three months will be the probationary period. You will first receive a starting net salary of one hundred fifty thousand plus other benefits, allowances and bonuses. Once you have passed both of your board examinations, you will be a regular employee already. Your net salary will also be doubled. I have already talked to Dad about it. You already know our HR Manager, so you just have to report for the paperwork by Monday and then have your first day of work by Tuesday.”

It was a very tempting offer and so he agreed, “Okay. I already agree.”

Daniel said, “I will feel at ease now. Even if I take a sabbatical leave for a while, I know that all of the company’s projects will be in good hands. We have the same dedication and passion towards our work.”

Noah acknowledged, “Thank you very much for your trust, sir.”

Daniel responded, “Feel free to just call me Daniel. We are school mates and fraternity brothers anyway. You will have a bright future in the construction and design industry. Just maintain your work ethics and you will go a long way.”

May 29, 2010. Saturday. There had been a grand celebration at the farm for all the Espinas and Guanzons.

Tiyo Emil asked him, “So what is your next plan now that you have graduated, Noah?”

Noah answered, “I will already start working at CRDF by June 1, Tiyo Emil. I will also register my woodworking business by Monday.”

Tiyo Eman asked, “What will be its name?”

Noah responded, “Noah’s Arts, Tiyo Eman,” and then added, “I will do some small woodworking projects and have them displayed at our joint shop of Kuya Raoul. We agreed to share the rent, so he won’t be in a very tight financial situation since he is still in the process of paying for the residential land that he purchased on the outskirts of Vienburg.”

Tiya Lira said, “The two of you are already on the way to achieving your dreams. Noah had already established his own construction contractor business, he had managed to have a service vehicle in that old pick-up truck, and he was just a year away from fully paying for the residential lot he purchased. But with your excellent scholastic achievements, you will surely be more successful than your Kuya Raoul.”

Noah responded, “I still need to pass my board examinations, Tiya. Even if I have already earned double degrees, I need to be a licensed architect and a licensed civil engineer first. So, I can fully enjoy the fruits of my hard labor. I still want to establish my own architecture and construction business. But for now, I still need to work for other companies, before I can form my own. Noah’s Art is just a hobby that is making me earn money. I would rather get my hands busy creating woodwork than giving into the temptations of city life. I still plan to stay here for good at the farm, settle down and have my own family when I already reach 30. The initial plans were already accomplished. Also, I need to make the farm a comfortable place to live at first. We need the utilities here that you all enjoyed at Marbay. Ama and Ina as well as Lolo and Lola worked so hard just to support me in finishing my studies. We love living here at the farm in spite of some discomfort pertaining to electrical power and water supply. So I plan on making this a much happier and more comfortable place to live in. I would also want this place to be the home base of my own architecture and construction business.”

Tiyo Orlan said, “Well, you have proven to all of us that you have the discipline and determination to finish your studies. So, you’ll soon be working for a big company in Vienburg.”

He said, “I just happened to gain the trust and respect of a former school mate, Tiyo. Daniel Cardenas is looking out for his father’s company. He would soon get married and be away for a while, so he asked me again to take over the workload that he would leave. I will still be on probationary status until I pass my board examinations. If I didn’t pass them, there is a possibility that I won’t be a regular employee. That is why I still want to establish a woodworking business. We have wood resources on the farm anyway. I even asked Lolo and Ama to plant more hardwood trees and bamboo on the vacant areas of the land when I got interested in woodworking. Kuya Raoul is also helping me out with reclaiming good quality wood from some of his renovation contracts. I had already managed to acquire some power tools within five years of creating custom-made furniture and other woodwork for Kuya Raoul’s clients. I need to make the most of my acquired knowledge and skills while I am still young and strong.”

Lolo Eliseo then said, “You’re the pride of our families. We are all very proud of what you have already achieved. Noel and Lara are indeed very blessed in having you.”

May 30, 2010. Sunday. Daniel Cardenas was ditched at the altar by his fiancée. After leaving the church, he did not answer any text messages or phone calls except from his father's phone call. He pressed the speaker mode of the phone to be able to talk to his father while driving.

Daddy Damian asked him right away – Where are you now, son? We are all worried about you. You just left without any word.

Daniel answered – I just wanted to be alone for a while Dad. You should not all worry. I will be fine.

Daddy Damian said – Okay. You may take a break if you want. Anyway, you already hired your replacement as Chief Project Manager.

Daniel responded – Yes, because we thought I will be gone for a month. Well, I might as well take a month break. I will go to USA tomorrow morning as planned.

His father replied – Okay. So, where are you headed now?

Daniel answered the question – I was just driving around but you already gave me an idea where to go. Bye for now, Dad. I will just see you tomorrow at work before I leave for USA.

As Daniel ended the call, he tried calling up Noah. He recalled Noah telling him in the past that he lived in a remote off-the-grid barangay in Harsenos. He felt that it was the best place to unwind. Anyway, an overnight bag was always ready in the trunk of his car.

Noah had already answered his call – Yes, Daniel. What can I do for you?

Daniel responded with relief – Thank God! I was able to contact you. You said your place is off-the-grid. So I thought the call won’t go through.

Noah said – I drove for my mother at Marbay City Public Market early this morning. I am still in Marbay loading our cargo trike with some supplies for the farm.

Daniel then spoke – I am headed there. Let’s talk further about your duties and responsibilities as Chief Project Manager. I will call you again when I am in Marbay City already.

Noah affirmed – Okay.

And then Daniel ended the call leaving Noah wondering – Isn’t he getting married today? Why is he heading here to meet me out of the blue?

Then he heard the flash news from a nearby market stall with a mini portable TV with built in radio – Real estate development tycoon’s son Jess Daniel Cardenas ditched at the altar. The wedding of the upper class society’s It girl Mia Buenaventura with Jess Daniel Cardenas was cancelled because she ran away with another man. Her fiancé came storming out of the church after lashing out on the maid-of-honor. Their parents had already cancelled the wedding reception and just wished that both the groom and the bride be given privacy despite the scandal.

He delivered the supplies back to the farm. He then informed his grandparents and father about the possibility of his fraternity brother staying and then returned to Marbay City Public Market to fetch his mother. Their market stall would just be open until 12 noon that day. Their market stall in Marbay City Public Market operates every day from 5 AM until 7 PM while their market stall in Brighquen Public Market operates on market days which are Wednesday and Saturday from 5 AM until 12 NN. Whenever he was at home for weekends of school break, he was the one driving their cargo tricycle instead of his father.

A lot had already improved on the farm since he left for Vienburg to study. He encouraged his father and grandfather to plant more hardwood trees, softwood trees, and bamboos on the vacant space of the farm because he learned from his studies regarding eco-friendly materials for green construction. The hardwoods on their backyard could also be a source of income as he could turn them into woodworking projects that could sell at a large price in Missi. He also told them to plant ipil-ipil trees because their leaves are high in protein and can be used as a food supplement for their goats. He also advised them to set an area for plant propagation of landscaping plants, herbs, fruit trees, seedlings, orchids, and others when he had a course about landscaping. Some of their seedlings are also displayed in their market stalls and sell well. When his father decided to buy dairy cows, he searched for the species of grass best for the cows. That way, the grazing area would be planted then and there would be abundant supplements for their feeds. His father also decided for a pig pen for the meat business.

Noah might be passionate about being an architect and civil engineer, but he didn’t forget the importance of their farm, which had been the source of their livelihood. They didn’t even have to buy rice anymore, because his father had learned about aquaponics rice farming. His parents did not stop enriching their knowledge and skills in agriculture technology and food processing. His mother even took training in cookery, and in bread and pastry production. His parents also got to employ two farm helpers and two market stall assistants already.

His first project for the farm once he got paid for his work at CRDF was the installation of privately managed utilities – electricity and water. The internet and telephone had to wait. He could buy cellular phones for his oldies instead. Anyway, the construction of a cell tower in the town proper of Brighquen was already near completed. By then, his oldies would be able to communicate with him faster. He had already decided that he would use his salary from CRDF for his projects at the farm and then save them when all his projects were accomplished already. Then, he would use his income from woodworking to develop it into a formal business in time. Buying the necessary tools and setting up a bigger workshop at the farm must be done first. Then he could set up an online page on his social media account for the promotion and selling of their farm products.

Daniel arrived at the public market just shortly after Noah had returned. When Noah saw his fraternity brother/mentor coming out of the car to meet him, he was already wearing a rolled-up white dress shirt, grey trousers, and white sneakers. He assumed that the shirt and trousers were part of his wedding suit.

They had their customary fist bump and shoulder tapping greetings, then Noah said, “I already heard the news about your runaway bride. If you want to be off-the-grid for some time, you can stay at the farm for as long as you want. I had just finished building my own tiny log cabin in the woods last Lenten season break. You might occupy it if you needed more privacy.”

Daniel responded, “We can just talk about it when we reach the farm,” because he already saw Noah’s mother and two other middle-aged women approaching them.

Casual introductions had been made. Upon knowing that the two women would be dropped off along the way, Daniel offered, “Just lead the way Noah, and let your mother and her two colleagues ride in my car rather than on the trike. It is almost 12 noon already, the heat is strong.”

Noah agreed, “Okay.” Noah started the trike and led the way to their farm at three stops.

On the third and final stop, they had already reached the farm. A sumptuous lunch at an outdoor old rustic table with seating benches awaited them already.

Daniel had already met Noah’s oldies during the graduation rites a few days ago, so they were quite familiar with him already. Daniel enjoyed eating with his hands as the rest did, even if they provided him with a spoon and fork. Daniel enjoyed the lively conversation among his hosts. His choice to spend that day on that remote farm was indeed relaxing for him. The food was delicious. The air was fresh. The climate was cool. The environment was green. He did not wonder anymore why, despite Noah’s socio-economic status, his younger fraternity brother had remained humble and persevering. He had a happy family life yet he also wanted to provide a much happier and a much more comfortable life for them while reaching for his personal dreams.

He even recalled Noah saying in one of their brotherhood’s fraternity assembly – I will only try my luck here in Vienburg until I am 30. Successful or not I will return home and stay there for good.

He knew now where he was coming from. He could be successful even if he was just on the farm, because he got so many skills. There were also countless opportunities for him to apply his education and skills in Harsenos.

Meanwhile, Noah’s thought were like – I indeed hope that I could live up to all your expectations, Daniel. The dream job you offered me will make a great improvement in our lives. My elders had prioritized providing for all my cost of living and miscellaneous school expenses when I was still studying rather than having the farm plugged in with public utilities. I would need a large amount to hook up the farm with electricity, telephone line, internet line and local water supply. But with the huge starting salary that you set, then I will be able to accomplish all of them in just one go.